St Francis of Assisi News
Term 1 Issue 1 12th February 2026
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
Welcome to the first official newsletter of the new year! We have now entered the Noongar Season of Bunuru which occurs during February and March. It marks the transition between the hot and dry season of Djilba and the cooler and wetter season of Djeran. Bunuru is a vibrant and energetic season that represents the Noongar people's deep connection with the land and their understanding of the cycles of nature.
Thank you to all parents for the way they have transitioned their children into the first two weeks of school. Even with the unplanned school closure last Friday, the feedback from staff and parents has been very positive and there is certainly a good vibe around the school. I apologise for the closure last Friday but given the repair wasn't completed until 2pm, it proved a sensible decision. A special shout out to our groundsmen Mark Hughes and Karl Glenn for their efforts to support the plumber in getting services restored sagely and quickly in a 24hr turnaround, We are fortunate to have such dedicated staff.
ASH WEDNESDAY MASS
As we enter the Season of Lent beginning next week, we will be holding our Ash Wednesday Mass at 1:30pm in the hall on Wednesday 18th February. It would be wonderful to see parents make the time to attend the mass and support the liturgical life of the school.
PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
A reminder that all parents are governed by our Parent Code of Conduct which is signed and agreed upon at enrolment. A copy of the document has been attached below. This also governs how we use social media, including Whatsapp groups and Facebook pages. Please be mindful of not sharing children's names and respecting the dignity of every child. Breaches of the Code are discussed with myself.
SCHOOL PICK UP AND DROP OFF - YEAR 1-6
At the beginning of the year we understand children may be feeling a little nervous about entering classrooms and being independent going to class, therefore we allow the two week period of parents and children waiting outside classrooms. As of Monday 16th Feb all parents and children are asked to wait in the Student Drop off and Collection area which is the large concrete area at the entrance to the school. Children then walk to class independently with their own bag when the bell goes at 8:20am. Please explain this to your children to further build their independence and resilience. Pre K, K and PP continue to wait outside classrooms.
ENTERING SCHOOL GROUNDS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Electronic Gate
More information will be provided to parents at the Parent Information Sessions but all parents are asked to exit their vehicle and access the intercom when arriving at school to collect or drop off their children during the school day when the electronic gates are closed. This increases the safety of our children by identifying parents via the intercom. Please do not be offended if you call the office by phone and you are asked to exit your vehicle, it is a safety measure.
Collecting from the Classroom
Further to this, parents are asked that when signing out their child/ren, they arrive at the office to sign them out, then proceed to collect their children and their bags from the classroom. This is a simple process to encourage parents to know their child's teacher and the location of the various areas of the school. This forms part of our parent engagement strategy in making our school a welcoming and inviting environment. Mrs Brunton will not be collecting children to bring them to the office.
Messages to Children
Lastly, please be mindful that if you have a message you would like delivered to your child during the school day ie. a change in routine or pickup, that the later the office is notified, the less likely the child will receive the message. Teachers are busy teaching and not checking their messages and Mrs Brunton cannot run dozens of messages around the school. So please provide as much notice as possible. Obviously, any urgent messages that impact a child's wellbeing will be priority.
SCHOOL NURSE - MEDICATIONS
Given we now have a nurse on site from 9-2pm daily, our processes have been tightened around medications. Any student medications need to be left in a locked box clearly labelled with the child's name and prescription. Nurse Kym/Alex will then count and verify and contact the parent. Mrs Brunton will not be accepting any medication without the relevant medication form and prescription bottle. Again, this is a safety and compliance issue for our school and staff.
PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS FRIDAY 20 FEB
As outlined at the beginning of the year, we will be holding face-to-face parent information sessions on Friday 20 Feb in the classrooms for K-6 Parents. This will take place directly before the family fun night and the following arrangements have been made for supervision:
- Kindy - children will be supervised in the Kindy playgrounds outside the classroom
- PP - children will be supervised in the PP grassed area
- 1-6 - children are expected to attend the parent information session with their parent
Electronic copies of the presentation will be sent to all parents following the sessions. After the success of last year and increased parent attendance, we believe this is a great way to start the FFN.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
The annual P&F Family Fun Night will be taking place next Friday 20 Feb from 5-7pm and all children and families are encouraged to attend. We are fortunate that due to such overwhelming support from our families, this event is put on FREE by the P&F. It is a great way to start the year in welcoming returning families and also embracing new families and children into the SFOA community.
NEW FAMILIES
A big welcome to all the new families beginning at our school this year. Along with all our 3yo Pre-Kindy and Kindy children who are starting their St Francis journey, we have a number of new children and families who have joined our community:
PPB Finn Moriarty Behan
PPW Harley Lubke
YR 1B Amelia Hughes, Conor Mellon
YR 1W Eloise Ross
YR 2B Leo Baverstock, Joseph Jouny, Matilda Robertson, Louis Townsend
YR 2W George Jouny, Brady Morrison
YR 3B Daniel Susini Da Cunha
YR 4B Olivia Moylan
YR 5B Leach Darcy (Mills)
YR 5W Sean O’Shea
P&F OFFICE BEARERS AND CLASS REPS 2026
Welcome to all our existing and new P&F members this year and we look forward to working with parents to continue to support our children's facilities and experiences at St Francis of Assisi. In 2026, our official Office Bearer positions have been filled by the following parents. Thank you for volunteering your time for our community.
Chairperson - Rose Canzirri
Vice Chair - Meg Goldie
Secretary - Grace Santos-Swift
Treasurer - Mel Benton
We also welcome the below parents to the role of Class Representative in 2026. This role acts as the conduit to the P&F and these individuals will work together to ensure P&F information is shared through class Facebook Pages:
Christine Knowles/Danica McAllister (Pre K)
Brittanie Crosby/Rebecca (K)
Christine Knowles/Rebecca Haddad (PP)
Brittanie Crosby/Sarah Schulz (Year 1)
Danielle Chambers/Natalie Cameron (Year 2)
Christine Knowles/Sarah T (Year 3)
Danica McAllister/Steph Pinkerton (Year 4)
Christine Knowles/Rachael Fox (Year 5)
Danica McAllister/Sarah Schulz (Year 6)
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC) MEMBERS 2026
Once again our School Advisory Council will oversee financial matters within our school along with supporting us in our decision making around strategic matters in the school. Our strong financial governance can be attributed to the wisdom and expertise of our members of the SAC. In 2025, the SAC members will include:
Parish Priest - Father Darek
Chairperson - Tony Summers
Vice Chair - Jacinta Lynton
Treasurer - Lenin Pervan (New)
Secretary - Laura Hampson
P&F Rep - Rose Canzirri
Member - Jevita Nilson
Ex-Officia - Jason Baker, Geoff Clarke, Sarah Kavanagh
SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS
A reminder to all parents that school fee statements for 2026 have been emailed to all parents and ALL forms need to be returned in February. Regardless of your payment option, please return your form signed and dated with your choice of payment schedule by Friday 27th Feb. Fees can be paid in a single annual sum or instalments. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please make an appointment to discuss with me over the phone. All families are expected to contribute to the education of their children.
RUNNING CLUB - BEGINS FRIDAY 20 FEB
Mr Rebeiro is excited to begin our Running Club next Friday 20 Feb. Parents are welcome to join their kids for some morning exercise from 7:45 - 8:15am. We look forward to seeing you there.
2026 PUPIL FREE DAYS AND TERM DATES
Please see below the relevant holiday and Pupil Free days for this year, 2026. A reminder to parents that should you wish to take your child out of school during term time for a family holiday or other extended leave, there is an Extended Leave Form on our website that needs to be completed. This is required as documentation for the Department of Education to record students whereabouts if they are away for an extended period not due to illness.
UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
As we move into Week 3, children will be expected to be in correct uniform. The uniform policy can be found on our school website via the link below. This policy is agreed to at enrolment therefore there should be no confusion around expectations. This includes jewellery and hair requirements. I will be making my way around to classes next week to inspect uniform including hair, jewellery and socks. If you are unsure, please visit the link below:
https://www.stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au/uniforms
2027 TERM DATES THREE WEEK MID YEAR BREAK
In preparation for the introduction of a three week mid-year break in 2027, CEWA have published term dates. Please see the attached communication. A reminder, this begins in 2027, not this year but we are providing plenty of notice to parents.
For those Winter Olympic enthusiasts, plenty to keep an eye on over in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. I'm solely a half pipe guy! However, I am excited about the WA v VIC State of Origin this weekend. Great to see state football make a long awaited comeback! Wishing all a great fortnight ahead and I look forward to seeing all families and kids at the Parent Information Sessions and Family Fun Night next Friday!
Best Wishes
Jason Baker
Principal
Welcome back to all our families, and a special welcome to all our families who are joining us for the first time. It's lovely to see so many smiling faces around the school.
Pope Leo XIV has officially proclaimed a special Franciscan Jubilee Year to honor the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. This Jubilee, which runs from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027, invites the faithful around the world to rediscover the Saint’s legacy of peace, simplicity, and care for creation. During this year, pilgrims may obtain a plenary indulgence by visiting any Franciscan church or place dedicated to St Francis, or by participating spiritually from home if they are unable to travel. The Holy Father’s declaration marks a significant moment of reflection and renewal for the global Church, encouraging all to follow the humble and hope‑filled example of St Francis in today’s world.
Caritas Project Compassion Launch 2026
Our Project Compassion campaign will begin next week with promotional material and money boxes being provided to each classroom. The Caritas theme for 2026 is Unite Against Poverty. Together with Catholic schools and Church networks, we continue to work with all people, with shared hope and compassion, towards a world where we can all thrive and reach our full potential. There will be a 'crazy hair day' on the 28th March where all gold coin donations will go towards Project Compassion.
Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday
To celebrate Shrove Tuesday on the 17th February, the Year Six Christian service leaders and Mr Haydon will lead the whole school in explaining the origins of Shrove Tuesday and the significance of this day for the Catholic community. Ash Wednesday signifies the start of Lent and will be celebrated through a whole school mass at 1:30pm in the hall on Wednesday the 18th February. All are welcome to attend.
Sacramental Information
Important dates regarding the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation have been sent out to families in year 3, 4 and 6. Please send back expressions of interest to the office as soon as possible and email any questions or queries to sarah.kavanagh@cewa.edu.au. We look forward to these special celebrations throughout the year.
Just a reminder for all students receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, commitment masses are on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd February at St Andrews. Attendance at one of these masses is compulsory to hand the purple commitment card to Father after Mass.
ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Did you know… A special Franciscan Jubilee Year is being celebrated from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027 to honour the 800th anniversary of his death? This Jubilee Year invites everyone—young and old—to follow St Francis’ example of simplicity, kindness, and care for our common home
Sarah Kavanagh
Assistant Principal
With a number of new staff beginning at St Francis this year, we thought we would bring back everyone's favourite segment - Staff Spotlight! This week, we are featuring our new PPB teacher, Mrs Danielle Murray.
- Most used app on your phone? Whatsapp - I am always calling home to my beautiful family in Ireland. Face timing my nieces and nephews.
- Top played song of 2025? Killeagh - Kingfishr
- If you were a member of a band, you would be the? Why? ideally, I would love to be the singer if I could sing, even now I do it when I should not be allowed!
- What career you would have if you weren't a teacher? A nurse; both of my sisters are nurses!
- Peanut butter - crunchy or smooth? Crunchy - always need ASMR
Congratulations to Kaden Keen who was pictured in a story in the Scottish magazine, Speedway Star for his abilities on the 125cc motorbike! We have a world renowned athlete all the way from St Francis! Well done, Kaden!
Dear Parents,
Please refer to Mr Baker's message at the top of the newsletter. If your Concession Card is expired, please send your updated copy to the front office.
Kind regards,
Geneve Bastian
Happy Birthday to the following students who recently celebrated their birthday and who are celebrating their birthday over the next two weeks:
Beth Mellon, James Darcy, George Hannam, Harper Madden, Thomas Miranda-Becker, Joaquim Schmitt da Silva, Grace O'Connor, Jack Roberts, Maisie Gibb, Conor Mellon, Elijah Crosby, Brayden King, Artie Smith, Sebastian Quiceno, Elisha Patrick, Ava Goodwin, Noah Hughes, Erana Davis, Eliza Hommel, Darina Domkoc, Grace Maggiotto, Piper Bradley, Anisa Hargrave, Pranshi Bulgannavar, Elliott Guelfi, Josephine Lauridsen, Dennis Korzhov, Mack Lynton, Anger Ajo, Sahara Makawa, Sebastian Gauvain, Piper Morrison, Samarra Dock, Nevada Weko-Hauraki, James Curran, Vivienne Liron, Destiny Cooper, Ryu Uriarte, Semerra George, Poppy Hicks.
We wish you all a wonderful day!!
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Friday: 8:00am - 3:30pm
Email: admin@stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au
Website: www.stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au
Location: 1051 Connolly Drive, Butler WA, Australia
Phone: (08) 9562 9500
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Email: standrewsclarkson@gmail.com
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Location: 53 Belleville Gardens, Clarkson WA, Australia
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